Racecourse return would change landscape of city
NO DOUBT if West Common had continued to host racing meets (June 28), the route of the Lincoln bypass and developments in the area in general would have been different.
However, racing, other than the occasional point-to-point, ceased there more than 40 years ago and time moves on.
I cannot see how, with the requirements of modern racing, West Common can become a racecourse again without seriously jeopardising other activities that take place in the area, not the least of which is the fact that the course, or what is left of it, runs over common land.
There is one possibility that I do not think has so far been raised.
There is already a point-to-point course up at the Lincolnshire Showground and I believe there is sufficient land there to allow a higher grade course to be constructed.
There would no doubt be much less of a problem fitting racing around the existing usage of the showground than there would be in restricting racing to Sundays and public holidays, as has been suggested for West Common, and of course there is plenty of space for parking.
The only downside for the city council is the showground is in West Lindsey, rather than within the city boundary, meaning it would not be able to control it or benefit directly from its use for racing.
There would, however, still be indirect benefits for hotels and other businesses in the area, should a new racecourse open in the vicinity.
As far as the race-going public are concerned, a new course up at the showground would be a Lincoln course and so still keep the city on the racing map.
There is a precedent as I believe, although Newmarket is in Suffolk, Newmarket racecourse is across the county boundary in Cambridgeshire.
John Lingard Lincoln.
As one of the very many regular users of Lincoln's West Common, I am totally against the idea of bringing back horse racing, for the following reasons:
1. This is common land, given to the people of Lincoln centuries ago for the enjoyment of everyone.
This includes people, abundant and rare wildlife, including birds and grazing animals, and many wildflowers.
These animals and birds cannot speak for themselves.
Only we can speak for them.
2. Racing will not, in fact, benefit most shops etc in Lincoln.
A modern racecourse will have all its own in-house facilities, involving huge groundworks, buildings and roads.
The West Common will cease to exist in its present form.
3. If the 1985 act is amended, to allow development on West Common, this is a deliberate strategy to allow further development in the future.
Once this is set in train, many things will follow.
4. I think we need to step back, take a huge breath and really think about what future it is that we want for our grandchildren and future generations to come.
Lincoln is very unusual among cities, having such a large, rich, rural environment so close to its centre.
Don't let us jeopardise the centuries- old West Common for perceived short- term gain for the few, as against enormous pleasure and enjoyment for the many – of all species.
Marguerite Howells Hewson Rd, Lincoln.
3 Comments
by Peter, Lincolnshire
Thursday, July 01 2010, 2:35PM
“I was told that the special meeting on Wednesday, 14th July, at City Hall, beginning 6pm was a closed meeting by the horse racing fraternity. This is not true as committee rooms 1, 2, 3 are being used for this occassion and the public can attend but cannot take part during the meeting.
Checked with the media. It appears that BBC Look North, BBC Radio, and newspapers will be there as it is in their diaries. Should be a good meeting. I wonder if Karl McCartney or his racecourse company will attend to answer questions?”
by John, West End, Lincoln
Thursday, July 01 2010, 10:13AM
“What the City of Lincoln and Karl Mc Cartney do not mention and hence remaining quiet about the issue of using the West Common for horse racing, is that from September this year, the E2v factory site is closing down and is being vacated to build 260 new houses by Stamford Homes. This is right next door to the southern part of the West Common.
With an average of two cars per household for this housing development, further traffic mayhem for not only Carholme Road but for the city centre of Lincoln.
Think about it before making sarcastic comments, especially by those who don't live in the West End of Lincoln.”
by Supporting horse racing for Lincoln, South Lincoln
Thursday, July 01 2010, 9:52AM
“The residents of the West End and on the Long Leys Road area of Lincoln are always complaining about something one way or another. They need to live in the real world!
If it is not traffic problems in their area, building a new cemetery which Lincoln badly needs, and now complaining about the return of horse racing for the West Common, what else will they do in bringing down the city of Lincoln and not facing the facts that this is the 21st century of opportunity and for moderization.
Horse racing will bring prosperity to Lincoln. It did in the past and will do so now! For I use the common as well as them and if the council cannot provide funds to maintain the common and its appearance, perhaps private enterprise can do the job by investment. In this case horse racing!
The common is only one piece of land which is lacking tender loving care, I don't see local residents picking up the litter which they drop or either the dog mess dog walkers leave behind. They don't seem to care anything or doing their bit for the West Common.
The West Common is for the people of Lincoln (their statement), and its people will be able to go horse racing once again.
Carholme Ward is just one area in Lincoln. Horse racing will be beneficial for rest of Lincoln. So please stop whinging about horse racing that will affect the West End. It will benefit Lincoln as a whole!”